Azure Virtual Machines – Consider Upgrading D-Series (AMD x64) Machines to Dav5

Azure provides multiple virtual machine series with varying performance characteristics and pricing. The D-series, while previously competitive, can now be optimized by upgrading to newer Dav5, Dasv5, or Dadsv5 series machines that offer improved price-performance ratios.

Why This Policy Matters

Upgrading Azure Virtual Machines from older D-series to newer Dav5 series can deliver significant benefits:

• Cost Optimization: Newer AMD EPYC processors provide better performance at lower price points

• Performance Improvements: Modern processor architecture delivers faster compute capabilities

• Energy Efficiency: Latest generation machines consume less power per compute unit

Cost Reduction Potential

Example cost comparison for an East US region deployment:

• VM SeriesConfigurationMonthly CostPerformance Improvement D8as v48 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM$280BaselineD8s v58 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM$25110% Cost Saving

• Potential Annual Savings: For a 10-machine deployment, this could represent approximately $3,500 in annual cost reductions.

Implementation Guide

Infrastructure-as-Code Upgrade Example (Terraform)

Before (Old Configuration)

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8as_v4"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8as_v4"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8as_v4"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

After (Upgraded Configuration)

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8s_v5"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8s_v5"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
  vm_size = "Standard_D8s_v5"
  # Other configuration remains unchanged
}

Manual Upgrade Steps

• Verify current VM series and specifications

• Select appropriate Dav5 series equivalent

• Create a new VM with updated configuration

Migrate workloads and data

Decommission old VM

Best Practices

• Comprehensive Testing: Always validate application compatibility

• Gradual Migration: Upgrade machines in phases

• Performance Monitoring: Track performance metrics post-upgrade

Recommended Tools

• Infracost: Automatically scan infrastructure code for potential cost optimizations

• Azure Cost Management: Analyze historical VM performance and spending

Example Scenarios

Web Application Hosting

A mid-sized web application running on multiple Da series VMs could save 20-30% by upgrading to Dav5 series, with potential performance improvements of 15-25%.

Development and Testing Environments

Development teams can reduce infrastructure costs while maintaining equivalent or improved computational capabilities.

Considerations and Caveats

Potential Limitations

• Application Compatibility: Some legacy applications might require specific testing

• Migration Complexity: Large-scale migrations need careful planning

• Temporary Performance Dips: Initial migration might cause brief service disruptions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How difficult is it to upgrade from Da to Dav5 series?
The process is relatively straightforward, typically involving VM size modification and potential redeployment.

Will I lose data during the upgrade?
Proper migration strategies ensure minimal to no data loss. Always maintain backups.

How much technical expertise is required?
Basic cloud infrastructure knowledge is recommended. Azure’s documentation provides comprehensive guidance.

Can Infracost help me identify these upgrade opportunities?
Yes, Infracost includes automated scanning and recommendations for cost optimization across your infrastructure.

Are there any risks associated with these upgrades?
Risks are minimal when following best practices. Thorough testing and gradual rollout mitigate potential issues.